David Stern: Tom Gores is in 'final stages' of negotiations to buy Detroit Pistons

NBA Commissioner David Stern confirmed Saturday that Tom Gores is in
the “final stages” of negotiations to purchase the Detroit Pistons.

Stern was asked about Gores during his annual state of the NBA press
conference as part of the All-Star weekend festivities in Los Angeles.

“I'm going to catch up with Mr. Gores either tonight or tomorrow to
say hi,” Stern said. “I met with him at my offices, where he met with
our entire senior staff, and we know that there are very intense
negotiations going on, which are in their final stages, which means
either there will be a deal or there won't be a deal within the next
week.

“And every indication is that there will be a deal, and we'll see how that goes.”

Gores spokesperson Mark Barnhill said in a statement on Feb. 11 that
Gores and current Pistons owner Karen Davidson had not come to an
agreement but would continue to work toward completing one.

“Reports that a deal is already in place are incorrect,” Barnhill
said. “But the exclusive negotiating period has been extended, and we
look forward to continued discussions with Karen Davidson and her team.
We are making progress, and both sides are working hard in hopes of
reaching an agreement.”

The extension of the exclusive negotiating period will reportedly
expire in the next week, but if an agreement is not reached in time it
is likely that both sides would once again extend it and continue talks.